Literature & Writing

How a Novelist Plots a Story

A novelist explains how she plans the plot of a new book with cards, characters, and problems.

B17 min

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1Before she writes a single page, the novelist plans her whole story.

2She writes short notes about every chapter on small white cards.

3Then she puts the cards on the floor and moves them around.

4This helps her see which scenes should come first and which later.

5She always decides the ending before she starts the first chapter.

6Her characters must want something, or the story feels empty.

7She gives each character a problem that is hard to solve.

8When the plan feels strong, she writes the opening scene.

9She says a good plan saves many months of difficult work.

10Still, her characters often surprise her and change the original plan.

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